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On being a parent Wednesday May 4, 2005, 3 comments

Parenting doesn’t have to be difficult, it just requires some imagination. I am about to offer you a conflict-free method for getting your kids to clean their bedrooms. Conversations revolving around cleaning bedrooms are probably among the most complicated parent-child interactions, and anything that makes it smoother is probably a good thing.

Imagine, if you will, going and buying one of those anatomical skeleton models from a medical supply store. Not an adult size one, but one that matches the skeleton of an average ten year old. Assemble carefully, being sure to pose it in a realistic manner.

Raid your child’s closet, and dress the skeleton. Shorts and a t-shirt would work. Maybe some socks and shoes too. And a ball cap. Don’t overdo it though. Make sure it looks natural.

Insert skeleton in front hall closet. Tell nobody.

Not only is this a wicked funny joke to play on guests, it’s an excellent motivation for your own children. While arguing about cleaning bedrooms or doing chores (whatever), say something to the effect of “Do you know what happens to kids that don’t clean their bedrooms?” Then, fitting it as naturally into the conversation as possible, ask your child to get your shoes out of the front hall closet.

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A Rain of Frogs is written, designed and built by Adrian Lebar, a twenty(!) year veteran of web design and development. He is currently managing web and mobile development teams at Canada’s largest and most beloved classifieds site, Kijiji!